The Scottish Microbiology and Virology Network (SMVN), established in 2012, brings together professionals from across NHS Scotland to co-ordinate and facilitate the provision of equitable, high quality, safe, patient centred and clinically effective Medical Microbiology and Virology services at a national level, in line with the Healthcare Quality Strategy for NHS Scotland.
The SMVN operates Scotland-wide and transcends geographical, organisational and professional boundaries, encompassing all NHS Boards. It provides interactive peer support for Microbiologists and Virologists employed by NHS Scotland and facilitates the timely exchange of information on clinical and scientific issues required for the provision of safe, effective clinical care, prevention of infection and public health protection.
Non-urgent advice: Groups
COVID-19
Since the start of 2020, both the SMVN and its constituent NHS Health Board laboratories have played a leading role in NHS Scotland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic; delivering on the enormous challenge of rapidly providing an NHS Scotland laboratory diagnostic testing service, whilst also informing and driving testing strategy and policy.
In recognition of the SMVN’s exceptional leadership throughout the pandemic, it has received a number of awards:
- Scottish Healthcare Awards 2022/23:
Dr Fiona MacKenzie received the Leader of the Year award.
- The Scottish Government’s Chief Healthcare Science Officer Awards 2022
The SMVN received the INNOVATOR AWARD.
Professor Rory Gunson and Dr Kate Templeton were announced as Healthcare Scientists of the year.
The Collaborative Procurement Initiative Awards. Highly Commended was bestowed upon the SMVN working in collaboration with NHS National Procurement Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Government COVID Testing Policy, COVID Regional Hubs, NSS Clinical Directorate & NHS Assure.